I nodded as he opened the hatch for Kodi to jump in and we deposited the rest of my stuff in the back.
“So, where are we going exactly?” I asked as we pulled away from the curb.
“The house is just outside a small town named Dillon. Have you heard of it?” He glanced over at me briefly before his eyes returned to the road.
“I’ve heard it’s beautiful, but I’ve never been,” I replied, excited to see the mountain town I’d heard was quaint and serene.
“It is,” he confirmed, “and the locals keep to themselves, which obviously works for me,” he explained just as his phone rang, the name Emmie flashing on his dashboard.
For a moment, my gut clenched that another woman would be calling, before he glanced over at me. “It’s my sister; do you mind?”
“No, of course not,” I assured him, feeling foolish for my jealousy.
“Hey Em,” he greeted in his deep baritone.
“Mason Jackson, why am I the last to know that you have a woman in your life!” she exclaimed by way of greeting. “You’ve told everyone about her but me!”
Mason shot me a gorgeous grin, not seeming embarrassed in the least.
“Em, I’ve hardly told everyone. And if you’d like to stop screeching like a banshee and introduce yourself, she’s sitting right here.”
“Shit,” Emmie swore. “And I wasnotscreeching.”
“Um, hi, Emmie,” I greeted, desperately trying to keep from laughing.
“Hi, Ellie.” She sighed. “I swear I’m not totally nuts.”
I laughed. “I don’t think you’re nuts.”
“Yet,” Mason put in dryly as I slapped him on the arm.
“Where are you two headed?” she wanted to know.
“I’m taking Ellie to Dillon for the weekend.”
“How fun. El, the house is gorgeous. So much better than that monstrosity he calls home.”
Not knowing what to say to that, despite being admittedly relieved to hear it, I settled on, “Yeah, I’m looking forward to it.”
“Sounds like the press has been kind of all over you guys,” she continued sympathetically. “But unfortunately, it’s not surprising. Mace, you haven’t been photographed with a woman other than family, and Ellie, well, from the pictures, you’re clearly stunning. I’m sure they’re having a field day.”
“Pictures don’t do her justice,” Mason put in, making my cheeks warm.
“Well, I won’t keep you, but Ellie, I’m looking forward to meeting you. If you need anything, feel free to call me. I’ll have Mason give you my number.”
“Thank you,” I replied sincerely.
“Oh my god, Mom is going to be so jealous that I talked to you before she did,” she sang.
“Okay, Em, let’s not totally freak my girl out, okay?” Mason demanded.
My heart pounded at the reference to me being his girl.
“Roger that,” Emmie replied dryly. “Love you, Mace. You guys have a good trip.”
“Love you too,” he replied before ending the call. “So, that’s my sister.”
“I like her,” I assured him.
